Poly(methyl
methacrylate) (PMMA) is a transparent thermoplastic, often used
as a light or shatter-resistant alternative to glass. It is sometimes
called acrylic glass. Chemically, it is the synthetic polymer of
methyl methacrylate. The material was developed in 1928 in various
laboratories, and was first brought to market in 1933 by Rohm and
Haas Company, under the trademark Plexiglas.[4] It has since been
sold under many different names including Lucite and Perspex.

PMMA is an economical alternative to polycarbonate
(PC) when extreme strength is not necessary. Additionally, PMMA
does not contain the potentially harmful bisphenol-A subunits found
in polycarbonate. It is often preferred because of its moderate
properties, easy handling and processing, and low cost, but behaves
in a brittle manner when loaded, especially under an impact force,
and is more prone to scratching compared to conventional inorganic
glass.